Which Residency Specialties Are Considered IMG Friendly? A guide by IMG Rotations for the Match
- Margaret Ye
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 22
When it comes to matching for residency, some specialties are more IMG-friendly than others. As an International Medical Graduate (IMG), it’s important to focus on specialties where your chances of matching are higher. Here’s a guide to help you understand which specialties tend to be more accepting of IMGs.
1. Family Medicine takes the crown for the most img-friendly specialty for the residency match
Why It’s IMG-Friendly: Family Medicine offers more residency opportunities for IMGs due to the high demand for primary care physicians, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
2. Internal Medicine
Why It’s IMG-Friendly: With many residency programs across the U.S. and an increasing need for internal medicine physicians, Internal Medicine is one of the most popular and IMG friendly specialties for the residency match. It is less competitive than surgical specialties, making it more accessible.
3. Psychiatry
Why It’s IMG-Friendly: Psychiatry is another specialty with a growing demand for trained professionals. It is typically less competitive and more open to IMGs.
4. Pediatrics
Why It’s IMG-Friendly: Pediatrics programs are more accepting of IMGs compared to other specialties. Many programs value diverse cultural backgrounds when treating pediatric patients.
5. Pathology
Why It’s IMG-Friendly: Pathology is less competitive and offers ample opportunities for IMGs, especially in academic centers and community hospitals.
How IMG Rotations can help you match into an img friendly residency specialty
At IMG Rotations, we assist you in identifying IMG friendly specialties that best align with your qualifications and career goals and provide you with ample usce placements to enhance your application and improve your chances of matching into your desired residency specialty.